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The Good Old Days

A great TV show has many elements. First and foremost, it must have great characters. It should also have something to offer the viewer, whether it’s a lesson, an insight into a different world, or a few good laughs. And finally, a good TV show should have a catchy, memorable theme song. We got to thinking about some of our favorite shows from the past and decided to come up with a list of the top ten theme songs we constantly find ourselves singing. So without further ado, this is our definitive ranking of the theme songs from our favorite shows. Check them out and let us know what you think. But be warned; they may get stuck in your head!

10. Gilligan’s Island

We couldn’t have a list of theme songs from the Good Old Days and not include “The Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle,” on it! Telling the story of that fateful “three-hour tour,” this song actually was different for season 1. Allegedly, the original version did not include the Professor or Mary Ann. Eventually, Bob Denver demanded that they be included in the song, or that the studio remove his name from it! And while the song does a great job at setting up the plot of the show, it only comes in at number 10 on our list.

From the horn section to that catchy guitar riff, we had to include the theme from The Munsters. A song so catchy that it didn’t need any lyrics (although apparently there are lyrics to the song, they just never aired). The song, which blended surfy pop sounds with a spooky vibe, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1965, and comes in at number 9 on our list of the top 10 theme songs.

“They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. They’re all together ooky, The Addams Family!” Yes, from the fun lyrics to the snaps, the intro to The Addams Family is iconic, and lands at number 8 on our list. I can still see Gomez’ spooky smile in my head when I hear the song.

While the theme to Happy Days wasn’t actually used until season 3 (seasons 1 and 2 featured an updated version of “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley and His Comets), it’s definitely the one we remember when we think about the show. Performed by Pratt & McClain, “Happy Days,” perfectly captures that 50s feeling that’s synonymous with the show.